"To be courageous is enviable, whilst, on the other hand, to be able to conceal the absence of courage is useful" - Baron... More > Charles de Berenger, 1835

"Defensive Gymnastics" is a long-forgotten classic in the annals of how-to literature, compiling the Baron's advice on the different modes of "manly character"; the use of defensive gymnastics with fists, canes, whips, pistols and umbrellas to thwart pickpockets, street ruffians and con-artists; and how to escape from highwaymen, burning buildings, icy ponds and wild bulls.

The 2008 edition features over 50 new photographs and drawings, an introductory biography and a special feature on the Baron's Stadium, a 24-acre training academy for all manner of "manly sports and defensive exercises".

Eccentric and street-wise, de Berenger's "Defensive Gymnastics" is a fascinating glimpse into a bygone age; a wonderful gift or practical study guide for self-defence enthusiasts and history buffs alike. < Less

Professor Blomberg's manual of practical Anti-Vampirism is a must-read for all Ladies and Gentlemen who wish to take arms... More > against the depredations of the "Undead". Including colorful anecdotes and detailed advice on the selection and use of stakes as close-combat weapons, the proper thing to do when attacked by a vampire bull and the Professor's own Theory of Vampire Contagion, amongst many other timely and useful tips.

Illustrated with numerous woodcut engravings. < Less

"Master of Men" is an anthology of books, articles and essays about the remarkable Irish-American combat athlete and coach,... More > William Muldoon Muldoon learned the basics of wrestling as a soldier in the Civil War. After numerous adventures as one of "New York's finest", he left the police force to become one of the first American professional wrestlers, taking on all comers in rough and tumble saloon matches and working as an actor/stuntman on the vaudeville stage.In 1889, Muldoon's radical training methods brought the out-of-shape, alcoholic bare-knuckle boxing champion John L. Sullivan back into form for his legendary title fight with Jake Kilrain. Muldoon later became the inaugural chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission and a personal trainer for some of the richest and most powerful men in America. Includes 29 rare illustrations and a special bonus interview with Scott Burt of the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame. < Less

“Master of Men” is an anthology of books, articles and essays about the remarkable Irish-American combat athlete and... More > coach, William Muldoon.

Muldoon learned the basics of wrestling as a soldier in the Civil War. After numerous adventures as one of "New York's finest", he left the police force to become one of the first American professional wrestlers, taking on all comers in rough and tumble saloon matches and working as an actor/stuntman on the vaudeville stage.

In 1889, Muldoon's radical training methods brought the out-of-shape, alcoholic bare-knuckle boxing champion John L. Sullivan back into form for his legendary title fight with Jake Kilrain. Muldoon later became the inaugural chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission and a personal trainer for some of the richest and most powerful men in America.

Includes 29 rare illustrations and a special bonus interview with Scott Burt of the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame. < Less

IN 1899, E.W. Barton-Wright devised the martial art of Bartitsu as a process of cross-training between jujitsu, boxing,... More > savate and stick fighting, designed to beat the fearsome street gangsters of Edwardian London at their own game. The second volume of the Bartitsu Compendium provides resources towards continuing Barton-Wright’s experiments. It combines extensive excerpts from fifteen classic Edwardian-era self defence manuals, including well over four hundred illustrations.Volume II also offers an extensive collection of long-forgotten newspaper and magazine articles on Bartitsu exhibitions and contests; original articles on Bartitsu history and training; a complete course of Edwardian-era “physical culture” exercises; personality profiles, essays and more besides. The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume II is a must-have companion piece for the first volume in this series, and offers further fascinating insight into the world of “antagonistics” in Edwardian England.
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This is the true story of Edith Garrud, the woman who taught jujutsu to the secret "Bodyguard" society of the English... More > Suffragette movement during the early years of the 20th century.

The Suffragettes used radical tactics to win the right of women to vote in national elections.

Edith and her "Jujutsuffragettes" had many adventures protecting their leaders from being arrested or assaulted. Sometimes they used clever tricks and disguises, and sometimes they battled hand-to-hand against police and angry crowds.

With 29 illustrations; suggested for readers aged 12 and older. < Less

“A Terrific Combat!!!” is an anthology of commentaries on stage fighting during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when... More > Shakespeare’s works were the life’s blood of the great metropolitan theatres and rough-and-tumble melodramas played to packed houses.

Full of colourful anecdotes and insights and illustrated with over one hundred rare photographs and drawings, "A Terrific Combat!!!" offers many hours of amusement and enlightenment.

"I love this book. It is a little gem and it makes a unique addition to the range of books on the theatre, an homage to stage fighters from all ages." - William Hobbs < Less

“To be courageous is enviable, whilst, on the other hand, to be able to conceal the absence of courage is useful” –... More > Baron Charles de Berenger, 1835“Defensive Gymnastics” is a long-forgotten classic in the annals of how-to literature, compiling the Baron’s advice on the different modes of “manly character”; the use of defensive gymnastics with fists, canes, whips, pistols and umbrellas to thwart pickpockets, street ruffians and con-artists; and how to escape from highwaymen, burning buildings, icy ponds and wild bulls.The 2008 edition features over 50 new photographs and drawings, an introductory biography and a special feature on the Baron’s Stadium, a 24-acre training academy for all manner of “manly sports and defensive exercises”.Eccentric and street-wise, de Berenger’s “Defensive Gymnastics” is a fascinating glimpse into a bygone age; a wonderful gift or practical study guide for self-defence enthusiasts and history buffs alike. < Less

Originally published in the year 1882, "The Sword Prince" is the stranger-than-fiction biography of Danish-American... More > swordmaster, boxer, duelist and soldier of fortune, Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery.

Biographer Frederick Whittaker follows his subject from his boyhood years as a cadet in the Danish Navy, through his education in physical culture and swordsmanship at the great European military academies, and thence into his wild career as a sword-for-hire and adventurer in the USA and in Spanish America.

Colonel Monstery's life was a switchback of soaring victories and crushing defeats, punctuated by duels of honor against a range of desperate adversaries in many exotic locations.

This enhanced re-publication includes fifty sketches and photographs illustrating the life and times of the Sword Prince, supplemented by a new biographical essay and a bibliography.

Colonel Monstery is truly one of America's forgotten heroes of swordsmanship. < Less

The Falcon Defence Cane Basic System is a unique, practical method of self defense against a single, unarmed... More > assailant.

Drawing from military bayonet training, the Basic System is adapted to the unique advantages of the Falcon Defense Cane. It may also be integrated into any Eastern or Western martial arts curriculum or self-defense training program.

This booklet presents the complete Basic System including techniques and training drills, illustrated with over seventy photographs.

See the system in action at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f3lvBY8y7Q < Less